Instant messaging tools are very useful for keeping in touch with friends and family, and the likes of Skype have also found their way into the workplace. The ability to communicate with colleagues and contacts around the world can be a great productivity boost and a massive help to business. TeamTalk is a free conferencing system which includes a chat component to it, but there is a great deal more to be found as well.

As you would expect of any communication tool you can use TeamTalk to send text based messages to other users, and there is also the option of using a web cam and microphone to conduct video and voice chats. Unlike other chat tools, TeamTalk includes the option of recording conversations so you can play them back at a later time. In corporate environments, the program can be used on used on a LAN to keep workers connected to each other, but it can also be used over the web to connect to people further afield.

But this is not just a program about chatting. It can also be used to share files, but more than this, it can also be used to share applications for the purposes of collaborative work or giving online demonstrations to large groups of people. There are no limitations on which applications can be shared in this way and anyone hosting a conference call is afforded full control over sessions. You’ll also find helpful accessibility options that make the program easier for those with visual problems to use.

When installing the software you can choose between setting it up as a client, server, or both. For the greatest flexibility, it makes sense to install it in both client and server mode as this means that the program will be ready to use no matter how you decide to work with it. This is a great alternative to the likes of Skype and the accessibility options open it up to an even wider audience who can then take advantage of this handy means of communication.

Spotlight: Free Full Software

WhatsApp Messenger is the world's most popular instant messaging app for smartphones.

You can use it to send and receive text and voice messages, photos, videos, even call your friends in other countries, and because it uses your phone's internet connection it might not cost you anything at all (depending on whether you'll pay data charges).

It's easy to set up and use. There's no need to create and remember new account names or pins because it works with your phone number, and uses your regular address book to find and connect you with friends who use WhatsApp already.

You can talk one-to-one or in group chats, and because you're always logged in there's no way to miss messages. Even if your phone is turned off, WhatsApp will save your messages and display them as soon as you're back online.

There's plenty more (location sharing, contact exchange, message broadcasting) and the app is free for a year, currently $0.99/ year afterwards.